Miniature Anvil

This time I have made a mini anvil for my future collection of mini-tools. I have tried to be as similar as an anvil of original size using certain details that are usually seen in blacksmiths' anvils.

I would also apologize for my English as a non-native English speaker some terms are very difficult for me. Forward, Instructable!! I will be happy to answer any question.

Supplies:

Step 1: Materials and Tools

Materials

Beech Wood

Copper block

Little chain

Old Windscreen wiper

Little Eye Screw (2 Unit)

Sandpaper

Wood Glue

Wood inserts (Threaded)

Metal Nails

Tools

Saw Metal

Metal Files

Ruler

Drill Press

Similar Dremel

Japanese Saw

Hammer

Polishing disk

Pliers

Step 2: Anvil's Drawing

I began marking the silhouette on the copper block. I looked for different anvil drawings and finally I decided to use this (document attached).

Firstly, I only marked the sides and then for the curved areas I used a very useful rule for these type of jobs.

Step 3: Cutting the Silhouette

In this step I just cut the main anvil silhouette. For the curved areas I used a bit drill to speed up the work and give it a better finish. For the rest of the cuts, I used the metal saw and extreme patience...

Step 4: Cutting Rounded Edge

With the attached drawing, I mark the thickness of the anvil and cut the excess material. Little by little it takes on the shape of an "anvil"!!

To get closer to the final size I use files in order to achieve grater accuracy.

In these steps I still do not intend that the surfaces are perfect, I simply delimit the proportions of the piece.

Step 5: Anvil's Horn

I use different files to define the anvil horn and as if it were a pencil, I sharpen it to achieve a symmetrical surface and as realistic as possible. It is a laborious work and as you are removing material it becomes more delicate, since removing an excess of material would ruin the appearance of the anvil.

Step 6: Polishing

In this step I was still not very clear about the aspect I wanted to give the anvil: whether a new look or on the contrary, a degraded appearance...

I decided for the moment to give it a new look: I started sanding the anvil with the following grids: 200, 300, 500 and 1000 and finally I polished it with polishing paste so as to get a shiny look. I really did not want to have that shine, but one of the peculiaryties of the copper is that it oxidizes very fast and it was a matter of days that it took that old touch. And that's how it was...

Step 7: Anvil's Stand

For the stand I used beech wood: I could use a single piece of wood but as I wanted to give it the greatest possible realism I used small pieces stuck imitating a robust, hard and heavy stand.

Step 8: Stand Details

In most of the old anvil stands, blacksmiths put around a reinforcement to prevent wood loosening. I came up with the idea of taking advantage of the small metal splints that the windscreen wipers of the cars have, since their dimensions were ideal for this purpose!

With the help of pliers, I shaped it until getting around the piece of wood and then I hammered it with gold small metal nails.

I used a walnut effect tint to give it and old color effect.

Step 9: Clamping System to the Anvil Stand

To hold the anvil to the stand I used a wood insert and a screw. Possibly, it would have been enough with epoxi glue but as maybe one day it falls up into the hands of a child... better to assure it well :-)

Step 10: More Details

Not happy with the realism achieved so far, I put a small chain fastened with two little eye screw. A delicate and laborious work due to the size of the parts.

Step 11: Final Conclusions

I could have done more small details such as small supports to store the hammers, but maybe I would have recharged it too much worsening its appearance. I am quite satisfied with the result, although I would have liked to use stainless steel.

I hope you like it and remember that I will be very happy to solve any doubt.

The only thing different I would suggest is making the anvil out of aluminum, then turning it black using a small pot of chemical blackening solution that is used on aluminum guns/gun-parts (available online at any gunsmith supply or local gun shop). That way you can carefully use wire wool to buff away the blackened surface (in spots that would be worn) and reveal the silver metal underneath.

Nice work though. I'd like to see the rest of your collection.

[Edit]...If you want more heft than aluminum you could use zinc. Zinc can also have a dark chemical finish applied using black patina for lead&solder, it is sold in craft stores.

It's very interesting what you are suggesting and maybe I will make like that in any of my following mini tools. I leave you the link of other one I shared in case you haven't seen it:https://youtu.be/MXzR5p5AMnM

Fantastic work ! The little chain, and the metal bands are a great touch ! Rest assured that your command of the English language is better than some that were born and raised in the U.S. ! Thank you for sharing this project, it makes me want to create an entire miniature smithy !!!!